The Ogasawara Islands Japan (Bonin Islands) are a remote group of 30 islands in the Pacific Ocean. They were formed by an ancient submarine volcano, and are home to more than 140 species of indigenous plants as well as insects such as the Ogasawara damsel fly. Of the 97 species of tree on the islands, 73 are endemic.
In 1827 a British warship found and declared possession of the islands and they were not returned to Japan until 1876. During World War II the inhabitants all moved to the Japanese mainland and by the end of the war the islands were ruled by the United States. Finally handed back in 1968 they are now part of the Tokyo prefecture, despite being about 1,000 km (600 mi) away.
Only Chichijima (father island) and Hahajima (mother island) are inhabited, and their total population is about 2,300. Their main products are timber and fruit such as pineapples and bananas. Ogasawara Islands Japan is unspoiled and unpolluted, and the crystal-clear waters are full of coral reefs and tropical fish.
Ogasawara-maru Entering The Port Of Futami, Chichijima Island, Ogasawara Village, Tokyo, Japan | Source : en.wikipedia.org
Ogasawara Islands Japan is a great place for watching whales and dolphins and there are several trips on offer. Humpback whales and their calves can be seen between February and April, while sperm whales are about all year round, although the best time to see them is from August to October. Many different types of dolphin can be seen here too, and it is sometimes possible to swim with bottlenose and spinner dolphins. The small, flat island visible from Hahajima has a sweeping, white beach which is ideal for swimming, where highly endangered green turtles come to lay their eggs.
Ogasawara Islands Japan Also Known As
In English they are called the Bonin Islands.
What Are They
A remote group of islands in the Pacific.
Do Not Miss
Take a day trip out to the open sea for an amazing day whale and dolphin watching.
How To Travel To Ogasawara Islands Japan
Travel by ship from Tokyo to Chichi-jima. The ship leaves once a week and the journey takes 25 hours.
